A great way to get water to remote locations is through the use of a yard hydrant. Along with knowing the bury length (ensuring the water supply is below the frost line), there are some key features to take into consideration. In this blog we will go over 4 key features including flow optimization, ease of operation, easy adjustments & repairs and locking hole.
There is nothing worse than turning on the water and having low pressure. This is one reason that finding a yard hydrant with high flow rates is so important. That being said there may be instances where you want to control the flow rate.
The curves throughout the yard hydrant can make a world of difference in the flow rate. Elbows that have a curve through them allow the water to flow more freely, without making an abrupt 90° turn. Curves through the head, helping water flow quicker and smoother, ensure high flow rates.
Part of this feature is the ability to lock the handle in any position, regulating the flow. This is achieved through a thumb screw in the head of the yard hydrant. Whether you are watering flowers, or feeding animals, adjusting the flow rate is a must.
The whole point of a yard hydrant is to make it easier to get water where you need it all year round. When making your selection I would consider how easy it is to operate by looking at the handle and operating rod.
A large handle that allows you to have a heavy glove on and still operate with ease is a must, especially for areas where the temperature drops below freezing. The operating rod is a critical part, as it is used to open or close the valve at the bottom of the hydrant. As this happens, the straighter the operating rod is better.
Seeing as so much of the hydrant is underground, the ability to make adjustments and repairs above ground is important. Some yard hydrant problems can be frustrating. The ability to easily adjust or repair parts, such as O-Rings, the hydrant above ground is key. This saves time and effort as you don't need to dig up the yard hydrant and replace the whole thing.
Check out our step by step guide "How to Adjust and Repair a Boshart Yard Hydrant".
Tip: In applications where the water is more corrosive, choosing a stainless steel stand pipe and operating rod can increase the life of a yard hydrant.
A locking eye hole is a great feature for creating a tamper proof hydrant. Adding a pad-lock to the locking eye on the handle keeps it in the closed position, preventing unwanted use.
In conclusion, selecting a yard hydrant can be daunting if you don't know what you're looking for. Looking for these key features will help you pick the right yard hydrant that meets or exceeds your needs.
For more information on yard hydrants check out our other yard hydrant blogs.
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